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What is PrEP

What is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?

PrEP is a way for people who don’t have HIV to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day

“PrEP” stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. The word “prophylaxis” means “to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease”

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (or PrEP) is when people at very high risk for HIV take HIV medicines daily to lower their chances of getting infected

A combination of two HIV medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine), sold under the name Truvada® (pronounced tru vá duh), is approved for daily use as PrEP to help prevent an HIV-negative person from getting HIV from a sexual or injection-drug-using partner who’s positive

Studies have shown that PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV if it is used as prescribed. PrEP is much less effective when it is not taken consistently

How does PrEP work?

PrEP is a pill that contains medicines that are also used to treat HIV

If you take PrEP and are exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from taking hold in your body

You must take PrEP every day, as prescribed, for it to reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV

PrEP, if taken as prescribed, can effectively prevent HIV. PrEP does not protect against other STDs

Is PrEP Right for Me?

PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative, have a high risk of being exposed to HIV through sex or drug injection, and are ready to take a daily pill

Studies have shown that PrEP works for sexually-active gay and bisexual men, heterosexual women and men, and injection drug users, and is also likely to benefit transgender women

PrEP can help protect anyone whose partner has HIV. If you regularly worry about HIV, ask your doctor if PrEP may be right for you

How Do I Find a Doctor?

Please note that medical provider inclusion in this directory is voluntary and does not serve as an endorsement or certification by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health.

I Have a Doctor, What do I Need to Know?

If you are interested in speaking with a doctor to see if PrEP is right for you, try speaking with your primary care doctor first. Check out these tips on talking to your doctor

If you wish to see a different doctor and are interested in seeking care at one of the clinics in the PrEP Directory, please call the provider listed for more information

What Else do I Need to Know?

You’ll need to get an HIV test before starting PrEP

People who use PrEP to stay HIV negative must be able to take the medication (one pill) every day

While you are on PrEP, you will need to see a health care provider for regular check-ups (every 3 months) for repeat HIV and STD screenings, lab tests, and prescription refills

Condoms provide additional protection against HIV and otherSTDsand unintended pregnancy. If you live in Los Angeles County and would like to have free condoms mailed to you, please visit our LA Condom website